Even late NBA legend Jerry West wasn’t a fan of the Golden State Warriors duo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson’s one skill.
Since 2015, the Golden State Warriors have been to six NBA Finals while lifting the Larry O’Brien trophy four times.
Each title run featured the dynamic duo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. The duo’s most feared skill was undoubtedly their ability to knock three-pointers with ease.
However, before the rise of the Warriors dynasty, many critiqued the amount of three-point shots that the duo was taking in a game. This included the late NBA legend Jerry West.
The 2014 NBA playoffs were the last time that Curry and Co. had an underwhelming showing in the postseason. After all, they made five straight NBA Finals from 2015 to 2019.
Curry and Thompson’s three-point shooting was a key reason behind the Dubs’ success during that era. Even Jerry West, who was the Warriors’ advisor at the time, didn’t like the volume of three-pointers that the duo was attempting in games.
“I think coaches have changed the game. People value the three-point line so much. You see shots taken, particularly when there’s a lot of time left on the shot clock, that I don’t think should be taken.
“I don’t think they’re good shots because it jeopardizes your defense when you take a quick shot from the corner and teams run out against you,” West said in a 2014 interview with SLAM Magazine.
So, what was the reason behind the Warriors allowing such a high volume of threes, if it hurt defense? There was a simple answer.
“But it’s fun and creates fan interest. I know here in Golden State we have two guys in the backcourt who can really give our fans fun evenings with their shooting ability.
“But at the end of the day, this is all about winning,” West added.
West had played an instrumental role as a player and an executive during the rise of the LA Lakers. Evidently, he had a good relationship with the late Lakers owner Jerry Buss.
Speaking of which, West believed Buss took baby steps in converting the NBA from a purely sporting event to an entertainment event as well.
“I worked in Los Angeles with an owner who wanted the team to win, but he thought basketball was entertainment. I’m talking about Jerry Buss,” West continued.
“He did a lot of things to create a different kind of atmosphere that are very much in prominence in the NBA today. Making it not just a sporting event, but also an entertainment event. We see that a lot in arenas today,” the late NBA legend claimed.
In simple terms, if it weren’t for Buss viewing basketball as entertainment, the rise of the three-point shot may have never happened.
